Overview

The Biodex Gait Trainer™ 3 is more than a treadmill. It is designed with an instrumented deck that issues both audio and visual real-time biofeedback to prompt patients into their correct gait pattern. Step length, step speed and right-to-left time distribution (step symmetry) are directly addressed; patient footfall is compared to desired footfall step after step, both on the display in real time and documented in an easy to read histogram.

The Biodex Gait Trainer is quiet, non-intimidating and allows the therapist to get in there and treat their patients. Real goals are monitored and progress reported. Objective documentation, with comparison to age- and gender-based normative data, helps prove need and document outcomes to family, referring physicians and insurance providers.

The Biodex Gait Trainer 3, with or without the Unweighing System or FreeStep for BWSTT, is suitable for all rehabilitation pathologies. Biodex has recently published Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (BWSTT) with Transition to Over Ground Ambulation: A Clinical Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Neurological Conditions using Biodex Unweighing System and Gait Trainer. The document classifies the neurologically involved patient, then steps the user through the various phases of recovery for profound, moderate and minimal neurological impairments.

Treadmill Plus... The Gait Trainer 3 also serves as a traditional treadmill, with all the features and benefits of theBiodex RTM600 Rehabilitation Treadmill.

GAIT TRAINER 3 + UNWEIGHINGThe Biodex Gait Training System

The Gait Trainer provides audio and visual biofeedback of step length and step speed. The Unweighing Support System provides assistance, helping patients regain their confidence, their strength and their stride. The Unweighing System, combined with the Gait Trainer 3 allows every patient the opportunity to get an early start on rehabilitation.

Features

Instrumented Deck – The Gait Trainer 3™ is the only treadmill with an instrumented deck that monitors and records step length, step speed and right-to-left time distribution (step symmetry).

Method:Have the patient walk at a comfortable step speed concentrating on symmetry of step length and step time. Once the patient has developed symmetry and cardiovascular gains, begin to work towards normative gait parameters. As an option, support the patient in the Biodex Unweighing System to provide a no-fall environment.

Method: Utilize audio and visual cues to develop step length symmetry and right to left time distribution. Initially support patient's body weight using the Biodex Unweighing System. Set belt in reverse direction (retro-walking) to assist with gains in range of motion. Forward direction of belt to work on symmetry of step length and step time.

Method:Progressively address step speed and right to left time distribution. Use a slow initial belt speed (.10 cycles/sec - .50 cycles/sec). Clinician may assist with paretic limb placement to initiate step length. Visual cues are used initially to reinforce step length. Once step symmetry is reached, gait speed can be addressed.

Results and Benefits:

The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.

Improved right to left time distribution and increased step time during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through repetitive and rhythmic movements.

Method:Initially, concentrate on developing step length symmetry. Once symmetry is achieved, increase speed of the treadmill for progression towards normative gait parameters specific to the age, gender and leg length of the patient.

Results and Benefits:

The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.

Sensory input from the rhythmic treadmill belt movement assists with patterning of the central nervous system.

When combined with the Unweighing System:

Rehabilitation can commence earlier as the Unweighing System provides a safe environment for both the patient and the clinician.Improved right to left time distribution and increased step cycles/sec during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through repetitive and rhythmic movements.Allows concentration on treatment, not physically supporting the patient.

Method:Using audio and visual cues, initially concentrate on developing step length symmetry with focus on right to left time distribution. Once symmetry is achieved, increase speed of the treadmill for progression towards normative gait parameters specific of the age, gender and leg length of the patient.

Results and Benefits:

The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement symmetry, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.

Efficient gait pattern with step length symmetry and improve right to left time distribution will reduce the metabolic demands associated with prosthetic gait.

Goals can be set through comparison of the uninvolved and involved limbs performance measures.

Reference:Peterson et al., Physiological responses during unweighted ambulation of three patients with below the knee amputation: A pilot study.

Parkinson's Disease

Method:Utilize audio and visual cues to assist the retraining of the temporal and spatial deficits associated with Parkinsonian Gait. The patient focuses on the visual and audio cues, which help to regulate step length.

Results and Benefits:

The Gait Trainer forces the patient to focus on foot placement symmetry, which is reinforced through visual cues on the display.

Improvement of step length and step time.

Improvement of muscular strength and endurance and overall cardiovascular tolerance for physical activity.

Improved step symmetry and increased step time during ambulation is achieved in an upright and fully supported position through repetitive and rhythmic movements.

Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. to feature the latest additions to their Balance & Mobility line of rehabilitation devices at APTA Combined Sections

February 2, 2016, Shirley, NY – Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. will be introducing three new products at this year’s annual APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim. Attendees are invited to learn more about the Sit2Stand™ Trainer, VibroTactile™ System and the medBike® at Biodex booth #525. >>